The Green Bay Packers star left tackle David Bakhtiari’s continued struggles to remain healthy have put his future with the Packers in doubt, judging by recent comments by the team’s head coach Matt LaFleur.
Bakhtiari tore an ACL in his left knee in late 2020 and has gone through a series of setbacks while attempting to return to action. The 32-year-old has now had four surgeries in less than three years and only managed to play 13 games during that period.
Bakhtiari started at left tackle in Week 1 of the 2023 season but hasn’t played since due to knee issues. He was forced to have another procedure last week and was placed on Injured Reserve with no timeline given for his possible return.
When asked about chances that Bakhtiari plays again this season and the prospects of him continuing as a Packer, LaFleur didn’t give the most reassuring answer.
“Yeah, I’ll let Dave comment on that,” LaFleur said. “I know he wanted to talk to you guys later on. I’ll let him talk about his timeline.”
The Packers have received trade interest in Bakhtiari this offseason, with the New York Jets reportedly testing his availability. At the time, Green Bay rejected the possibility of moving from the three-time Pro Bowler but might be regretting that decision now.
Bakhtiari signed a four-year, $105.5 million contract extension with the Packers in 2020, making him the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman. His deal runs through the 2024 season.
